Elections

Hamilton has a legacy of multi-lane, one-way arterial streets dating back to the 1950s. Do you support accelerating the conversion of these streets to two-way? Why or why not?

Responses to the question: "Hamilton has a legacy of multi-lane, one-way arterial streets dating back to the 1950s. Do you support accelerating the conversion of these streets to two-way? Why or why not?"

Yes, I support accelerating the conversions (see above). The streets listed on the Downtown Transportation Master Plan for conversion had sat stalled for some years until I pushed for getting these conversions back on track approx. six years ago. Council approved the funding for a five-year plan that saw this work get done (Park Street North is being converted as I write this).

For our RTH close council watchers, you have witnessed my defence of conversions on many occasions. Specifically, to one very obvious one-way arterial – Main Street - as Chair of the LRT Task Force, I attempted, through motion, to ask staff for a study on a two-way conversion of Main Street. Couldn’t get a seconder. Unfortunately, at the time, both staff and all colleagues felt is was not good timing given the LRT traffic models presented. That said, my belief continues to be that Main Street will need to be converted because of LRT, but also because of many other obvious reasons that include safety, economic benefits, environmental benefits and more.

Yes, I support accelerating the conversion as part of a larger project to implement Vision Zero. Two-way streets will reduce the speed of traffic, make streets more complete and usable for all road users, and increase the overall safety of our roads. There are a limited number of tools available at our disposal when it comes to street design on one-way streets. The flexibility of a two-way street system allows us to design more complete streets.

I have lived in Hamilton my whole life and has witnessed the change of many downtown roads from 1 way to 2 way. It has worked to a point. It can be confusing at first but we do adjust. Just adjusting would not be enough for me as a member of city council. I support the implementation of more 2 way streets providing proper evaluation, education, and engagement is in place. The Vision Zero goal of efficient engineering would compliment the implementation. The city is looking at Main St W as a possible switch. City planners and engineers must take a closer look so we don't go overboard. At the end of the day, our city needs to improve it's commute factor. We are rated 163rd best city to live in Canada and have a failing grade in the commute factor and it's not only because of transit.